2018 NFL mock draft: 1st-round projections full of surprises

With the combine and pro day circuit still on the horizon, there’s still plenty of time for draft stock to go in either direction for many prospects, with some of them likely taking massive leaps or suffering drastic falls as the draft itself draws closer.

That said, with mock drafts having been in full swing for weeks now, there are many projections that can seem like they’re coming out of left field at the moment.

The latest 2018 NFL mock draft from Bleacher Report has more than a few such surprises, with some big names staying on the board longer than usual, while others make a rare appearance in the first round.

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The first big curveball in this mock comes at No. 12 overall, where the Cincinnati Bengals select Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O’Neill. It’s no secret Cincy could be targeting one of this year’s top tackles with their first-round pick, but seeing them take O’Neill over Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown would be a huge upset.

The biggest steal in this mock comes at No. 18 overall, where the Seattle Seahawks land Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, filling a huge need with arguably the most complete prospect in the entire draft. Nelson nearly falling out of the top 20 while teammate Mike McGlinchey goes in the top five (No. 5 overall, Denver Broncos) is a scenario that would make far more sense if reversed.